Dallas Cowboys vs. Tennessee Titans Thursday Night Football Betting Preview

The Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans will open up Week 17 of the NFL season in a game with huge implications for both sides. Dallas has already clinched a playoff spot and will look to stay sharp over the final couple of weeks of the season. 

Tennessee, meanwhile, is looking to get back to the top of the AFC South, as they are in a heated battle against the Jacksonville Jaguars in their division.

Dallas Cowboys

Dallas is coming off of a huge win over the Philadelphia Eagles last week, outscoring the NFC East leaders in a 40-34 shootout. Despite Dallas’ inability to shut down Eagles backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, Dak Prescott and the offense of the Cowboys more than made up for that. 

Here, the Cowboys will look to get back to the defensive form that has made them one of the top teams in the NFC this season.

The pass rush of the Cowboys will be particularly influential in this game, as the Titans quarterback situation is in disarray at the moment. With Ryan Tannehill’s status in doubt for the rest of the regular season, the Cowboys could face off with Malik Willis this week. 

If they can put pressure on the rookie, the Cowboys could cruise to victory against another AFC South opponent in Week 17.

Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans have lost five straight games coming into this week, going from 7-3 to 7-8 on the year. In the process, the Titans have lost their spot at the top of the AFC South, as the Jacksonville Jaguars have overtaken them. 

This week, the Titans may have to rely on a backup quarterback against a team that is among the best in the league at getting after the quarterback.

Malik Willis has really struggled to get acclimated to life as a professional quarterback, as he has failed to throw for 100 yards in a game so far. Willis has completed just over 50 of his passes, which is alarming given how highly touted he was coming out of college. He may be running for his life in this game against a Cowboys team that has made a habit of hassling quarterbacks all year.

Keys To The Game

The number one key to this game for the Cowboys will be their running game, as they face a tough task against the Titans run defense. 

Tennessee ranks second in the NFL in rushing yards allowed, giving up just 80.1 yards per game to opponents on the ground. Tony Pollard and Zeke Elliott are both quality running back options, but the Cowboys could have a harder time than usual freeing up space for their backs.

On the Tennessee side, their running game is also going to be the top key to this game, for a different reason than Dallas. 

With Willis playing so poorly at quarterback, the Titans will need Derrick Henry (if available) to once again carry them if their offense is going to be effective this week. Dallas ranks 22nd in the league against the run, and there could be an opportunity for the Titans to take advantage.